Luxury lines are the latest to lure parents and grandparents into
bringing the kids on cruises, sometimes for no extra charge, with new
facilities and bonuses also sweetening the deal.
1. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Family pricing has been introduced on the world’s highest rated ship,
Europa, and the new Europa 2 (launching next year).
From April 2013, children under 12 sail for free if they share a cabin
with two adults paying full price.
Other perks include Baby Welcome hampers, kids and teens clubs, and
entertainment by Käpt’n Knopf.
The German line has also added children’s areas to its other ship,
Columbus 2.
For details of dedicated family cruises, with child-friendly shore
excursions, see www.hl-cruises.com.
2. Crystal Cruises
On selected departures, if six full-fare guests pay in full together, the
group receives a shipboard credit of US$200 per person, as well as a free
third berth for kids (under 17) when sharing with two full-fare guests.
As an added attraction, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony became
all-inclusive this year, which means parents can relax with
complimentary drinks while the kids enjoy free snacks, shakes and soft
drinks from the poolside grill.
Both ships also have Xbox games and activities such as karaoke and
pizza-making classes. See www.wiltrans.com.au.
3. Regent Seven Seas
Regent is the only ocean-going cruise line to include free shore
excursions for everybody in every port, which is a great saving for
families.
The Club Mariner Youth Program is offered on selected cruises in
Europe.
On some of these departures in 2013, kids fares have been discounted.
See www.wiltrans.com.au.
4. Paul Gauguin Cruises
Regular promotions include half-price fares and one child sails free
when sharing a room with two adults.
On several French Polynesian voyages, the Paul Gauguin also runs
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program,
which teaches children about the ocean through snorkelling and canoe
classes (US$299 per child aged 9-17).
Water-sports are organised at the line’s private beaches and the ship
has an onboard marina. See www.wiltrans.com.au.
5. River cruises
River vessels lack children’s clubs and activities but some good deals
are now available for families travelling in Europe.
Sea Cloud Cruises’ River Cloud II allows children (aged up to 13) to sail
for free when sharing a cabin with their parents, while two teenagers
(aged 13-18) can have their own cabin for 65% of the advertised rate.
Other discounts are offered for a single parent with one or two children.
In addition, shore excursions are free for kids, and fares include wine,
beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. See www.seacloud.com.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has also expanded its
‘multigenerational departures’ to suit Australian school holidays.
Options include a 10-day roundtrip from Paris cruising through Normandy
(28 June and 12 July 2013 sailings) and a Christmas Markets cruise.
Pay-in-full savings of up to $1,000 per couple are available until 31
October 2012, plus a discount of 25% off the adult price and upgrades
for children aged 4-18.
Fares include wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, shore
excursions, use of bicycles, and transfers.
See www.uniworldcruises.com.au.
